Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
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When Can Government Agencies Appeal Labor Case Decisions: Standing Rules Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies standing rules for government agencies appealing labor case decisions, with practical guidance for litigants.
Indirect Contempt and Due Process: Why Hearings Matter in Ejectment Cases
The Supreme Court explains when non-appearance at a preliminary conference justifies judgment without further hearing, and what this means for due process.
Untimely Appeal: Strict Application of Procedural Rules in Death Benefit Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how strict procedural rules apply to death benefit claims, and why timing matters.
Ombudsman Removal Orders Are Immediately Executory Despite Appeal
Supreme Court rules Ombudsman removal orders execute immediately even pending appeal, reversing CA injunction in GSIS official's case.
Treachery Must Be Proven Beyond Reasonable Doubt to Sustain a Murder Conviction
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden attack amounts to treachery, and why qualifying circumstances must be proven like any other element of the crime.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Deliberate Strategy vs Impulsive Action in Assault Cases
When is a sudden attack treachery? The Supreme Court explains why impulsive reactions do not qualify as alevosia.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglect and Unethical Advice: Pitcher v. Gagate
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for three years for improper advice, neglect, and abandonment of a client in estate matters.
Skywalk Bidding Scandal: Grave Misconduct and Collusion in Public Bidding
Supreme Court upholds dismissal of DPWH officials for rigged bidding, fake newspaper ads, and collusion with favored contractor.
Arbitration Agreements and the Corporate Veil: When Stockholders Are Not Bound by Company Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when arbitration clauses bind only signatory parties, not corporate stockholders shielded by the corporate veil.
Revival of Judgment and Real Parties in Interest: Key Lessons from Clidoro v. Jalmanzar
The Supreme Court clarifies when a complaint for revival of judgment may be dismissed for lack of cause of action, and who qualifies as a real party in interest.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Ensuring Fair Valuation of Expropriated Land
The Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation for agrarian reform land must be determined, emphasizing the factors under of RA 6657.
Serious Misconduct in Philippine Labor Law: Balancing Discipline and Employee Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies what constitutes serious misconduct justifying employee discipline, requiring substantial evidence and due process.
Just Compensation Under Agrarian Reform: Valuing Land at the Time of Taking
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation is valued for agrarian reform lands, emphasizing the time of taking and the factors under RA 6657.
Diabetes and Seafarers' Rights: When a Disability Claim Fails Under the POEA-SEC
Supreme Court explains when diabetes is not a compensable work-related illness for seafarers, and why the 120-day rule is not automatic.
Reapportionment and Term Limits: Can Renaming a District Reset the Clock?
When a legislative district is reapportioned and renamed, does the three-term limit clock reset? The Supreme Court answers in Naval v. COMELEC.
Forged Signatures and Void Sales: Protecting Conjugal Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court nullified a sale based on forged signatures, protecting conjugal property and heirs' rights under Philippine law.
Unlawful Detainer Rentals Reckoned From Demand to Vacate, Not Initial Occupation
Supreme Court rules rental arrears in unlawful detainer run from demand to vacate, not from start of tolerated occupation.
Partial Payment of Filing Fees in BP 22 Cases: The Supreme Court’s Ruling on Access to Justice
The Supreme Court allows complainants in multiple BP 22 cases to pay filing fees per case, ensuring access to justice.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Company Be Held Liable for Another's Debts?
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts may disregard corporate personality and hold one company liable for another's obligations.
Mutuality of Contracts: When Banks Cannot Unilaterally Raise Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Silos v. PNB explains why unilateral interest rate hikes violate the mutuality principle in loan contracts.
Employer Claims Against Employee for SSS Contributions: Labor Arbiter Jurisdiction
Supreme Court rules employer's claim for reimbursement of SSS contributions and damages against employee falls under Labor Arbiter jurisdiction.
Reinstatement Rights Balancing Seniority AND Prevailing Wage Standards IN Illegal Dismissal Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that reinstatement "without loss of seniority rights" does not mean equal pay with newer, differently-situated employees.
Tax Assessments, Formal Offer of Evidence, and Due Process in Deficiency Tax Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies when tax assessments are void for lack of due process and why formal offer of evidence matters before the CTA.
When Property Rights Clash: Can a Claim for Damages Survive a Mooted Injunction
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a damages claim survives even after the main injunction case becomes moot.